***The official Alden thread *** Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

[ThArtOfWardrobe]



Frans Boone service is ridiculously good and I haven't even bought anything yet. How much customs?

I agree, best service of any retailer from which I've purchased. No customs fee on this one because Frans marked as US origin. Previous purchase from him I paid $64 so was glad we figured it out this time around. Love the Frans Boone makeups and will definitely buy from him again.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



In honor of the maiden voyage of my cigar plain toe, my apartment has given me the gift of ****** lighting.







My carpet is white.

I don't do crepe, but these look sharp nonetheless.

 

[joiji]

Can anyone help me with some last information?

Alden for Brooks Brothers LHS and Tassel, Van and Aberdeen respectively? Size down/TTS?
I have a low instep, which last would suit me best?

 

[kolecho]

Has anyone ever come across a double soled version of the unlined suede chukka? I find the standard single sole on the unlined chukka a bit thin.

 

[Don L]

CXL Brixtons arrived

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[shaunw]

I agree, best service of any retailer from which I've purchased. No customs fee on this one because Frans marked as US origin. Previous purchase from him I paid $64 so was glad we figured it out this time around. Love the Frans Boone makeups and will definitely buy from him again.

The customs fee is still a gamble FYI. I just got the cigar plain toe boot from them and was hit with a fee of $117!! The package was clearly marked same as yours with US origin.

 

[Don L]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



Can anyone help me with some last information?

Alden for Brooks Brothers LHS and Tassel, Van and Aberdeen respectively? Size down/TTS?
I have a low instep, which last would suit me best?

I have both. You are correct on lasts. As for low instep inquiries, I will defer to someone who has the same issue.

Van - 1/2 size down; and perhaps also one width down
Aberdeen - TTS

 

[ThArtOfWardrobe]



I don't do crepe, but these look sharp nonetheless.

Thanks man

 

[Winterbourne]

I've read comments where people say a lot of Alden boots appear clunky and blocky but I'm finding the exact opposite.

In fact, I sent my last pair of 10d plain toe boots back for a 10 1/2 d hoping to remedy this aesthetic dilemma.

Perhaps I'm just too use to my RWs, but when I had the Aldens on my feet appeared disproportionately small compared to the rest of my body. Worst part is: my girlfriend even thought the same, so I know it wasn't just a skewed perception issue from myself.

Can tightness of pants counteract this a lot, in your personal experience?

Furthermore, I like the Plain toes a lot, looks wise just about the same as the 1000 Mile boot. However, would you agree that the leather and durability overall is in Aldens favor here? Anyone have/had both who can comment?

 

[ThArtOfWardrobe]



The customs fee is still a gamble FYI. I just got the cigar plain toe boot from them and was hit with a fee of $117!! The package was clearly marked same as yours with US origin.

Ouch, good to know. Thanks for the heads up and congrats on your new boots.

 

[ThArtOfWardrobe]



CXL Brixtons arrived

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow those are gorgeous. Love the laces. Congrats man.

 

[MoneyWellSpent]

I've read comments where people say a lot of Alden boots appear clunky and blocky but I'm finding the exact opposite.
In fact, I sent my last pair of 10d plain toe boots back for a 10 1/2 d hoping to remedy this aesthetic dilemma.
Perhaps I'm just too use to my RWs, but when I had the Aldens on my feet appeared disproportionately small compared to the rest of my body. Worst part is: my girlfriend even thought the same, so I know it wasn't just a skewed perception issue from myself.
Can tightness of pants counteract this a lot, in your personal experience?
Furthermore, I like the Plain toes a lot, looks wise just about the same as the 1000 Mile boot. However, would you agree that the leather and durability overall is in Aldens favor here? Anyone have/had both who can comment?

I think people who refer to the "clunkiness" of Aldens are generally using this as a term of endearment (assuming they are Alden fans of course

). It is sort of a quintessentially "American" look. When compared to the sleeker English made shoes and boots, Aldens are significantly heavier looking. I don't think it is fair to compare them to Red Wing when you are strictly looking at sleekness/clunkiness.

 

[RLG212]

How do people usually size in the Leydon unlined relative to their Van, TB, or Barrie size? I'd like to get a pair of unlined chukkas. I am a TTS 11D, the TB fits me in 10.5D, the Barrie I take a 10.5E (fits in the forefoot but heel is loose), and the van I take an 11D (both lined andunlined). I've heard the Leydon runs narrow, so should I go 11E in an unlined Leydon chukka?

I'm normally a 10D in the Barrie last. I ordered a pair of the unlined chukkas through Leffot and Steven sized me up a 1/2 size and put me in an E width (So I'm in a 10.5E in them). I'm very happy with the fit.

 

[Alcibiades]



I've read comments where people say a lot of Alden boots appear clunky and blocky but I'm finding the exact opposite.
In fact, I sent my last pair of 10d plain toe boots back for a 10 1/2 d hoping to remedy this aesthetic dilemma.
Perhaps I'm just too use to my RWs, but when I had the Aldens on my feet appeared disproportionately small compared to the rest of my body. Worst part is: my girlfriend even thought the same, so I know it wasn't just a skewed perception issue from myself.
Can tightness of pants counteract this a lot, in your personal experience?
Furthermore, I like the Plain toes a lot, looks wise just about the same as the 1000 Mile boot. However, would you agree that the leather and durability overall is in Aldens favor here? Anyone have/had both who can comment?

A lot of people debate this, but non-Indy Alden shoes and boots are essentially "dress" or "dress casual" shoes and boots... Red Wings are work boots, so they will look more substantial. They are simply a different look. If you don't wear dress shoes all the time, Alden shoes may look "small" relative to your other wear. Smaller leg openings will help.